soil

Types of Soil:
There are several types of soil. Each one has different advantages and disadvantages. Some plants prefer one type over another.

Sand

It is grainy soil which holds little or no compost or humus. It drains very well and as a result, does not hold water well at all. It is also lacking in minerals and micro-nutrients needed by your plants.

Clay

This is the second major type of soil. It is largely the opposite of sand. It retains water, and does not drain well. Heavy clay soils can act as a pot, holding water for days as rainwater slowly seeps through it. Roots can actually drown, as there is no air in the soil. Roots have a hard time pushing through it  and tend to ball up.

Loam

This is soil contains a mixture of clay, silt and sand, as well as some organic matter. It retains water well, yet is loose and contains plenty of air pockets for roots to breathe. Best of all, it is rich in minerals and nutrients vital to your plants growth and development.

Humus

Soil containing a rich mixture of decomposed plant or animal matter. It is rich in minerals and nutrients vital to your plants' growth and development.